Azores: 1 Day Private Tour Furnas Volcanic Activity & Hot Springs

A Full Day in São Miguel: Exploring Furnas, Hot Springs, and More

If you’re looking to spend a day in São Miguel that combines breathtaking scenery, volcanic wonder, and authentic local flavors, this private tour of Furnas is a fantastic choice. Priced at just over $324 for a group of up to six people, it offers a full 7 to 8 hours of sightseeing with a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and numerous opportunities to connect with the island’s natural and culinary traditions.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances stunning viewpoints—from the Miradouro Santa Iria to Pico do Ferro—and hands-on local culture, especially the chance to taste the famous Cozido das Furnas, cooked underground using volcanic heat. Plus, the visit to the thermal hot pools provides a relaxing finish that’s both fun and rejuvenating.

One thing to consider is that lunch and some entrance fees aren’t included in the tour price — so you should budget around €20 for the meal and about €16 for entrance to the hot pools and botanical garden. This setup allows flexibility based on your preferences while keeping the core experience well-organized.

This tour is perfectly suited for travelers who want an active, immersive day—seeing volcanic activity, enjoying panoramic views, and savoring local cuisine—all within a manageable group size that fosters a personal experience. If you’re curious about volcanic landscapes and delicious food, this tour will hit the spot.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary that covers major sights in Furnas including viewpoints, volcanic springs, and local culinary spots
• Knowledgeable guide making the day engaging and informative
• Flexible timing with private transportation and personalized touch
• Authentic local experience with traditional food and thermal baths
• Great value considering all included attractions and tastings
• Ideal for those who enjoy scenic views, volcanic activity, and culture

Exploring São Miguel in a Day: What to Expect

This tour is a well-planned journey that maximizes your time on São Miguel, Portugal’s largest and most diverse island. We’ll start early, leaving Ponta Delgada around 9 am, and spend the day visiting iconic viewpoints, learning about the island’s volcanic geology, and tasting some of the best local flavors.

First Stop: Miradouro de Santa Iria

Our adventure begins with a stop at Miradouro Santa Iria, where you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of the northern coast of São Miguel. The sight of craggy cliffs plunging into the Atlantic is breathtaking, and you might catch a glimpse of the lush, rolling landscape below. According to reviews, this spot is not just about the views but also about a bit of local history—it’s the site of a notable battle between two brothers. This blend of natural beauty and local legend makes it a memorable start.

Second Stop: Gorreana Tea Factory

Next, we head to Gorreana Tea Factory, the only industrial tea estate in Europe still in production since 1883. Here, you’ll learn about the tea-making process from plant to cup, and enjoy tastings of Black and Green teas. The factory’s history and ongoing craftsmanship are part of what makes this visit special. Many travelers love the “infusion of flavors and scents,” as one reviewer puts it, which transports you straight to a different time and place. Best of all, admission is free, making this stop both educational and budget-friendly.

Third Stop: Pico do Ferro

From the lush tea plantations, we move to Pico do Ferro, a viewpoint offering a sweeping vista of the Furnas crater and Furnas Lake below. The scenery here is striking—the crater’s lush, green rim encircles the steaming geothermal landscape, creating a surreal scene. You’ll get a great sense of the island’s volcanic origins with little effort, and many find this a highlight for the photo opportunities.

Fourth Stop: Lagoa das Furnas and the Cozido Experience

The core of the tour is a visit to Lagoa das Furnas, where you’ll witness the steam vents and boiling waters that make the cozido das Furnas so unique. You have the option to observe how the stew is cooked underground—a process that has been traditional for centuries. This is a key highlight because it’s not just about seeing the volcano’s power but actually tasting a dish that’s been slow-cooked beneath it. Although the lunch isn’t included in the tour price, it’s highly recommended to reserve ahead of time — the experience of eating cozido, flavored by volcanic heat, is unlike any other.

Thermal Pools at Parque Terra Nostra

Following lunch, you get to relax at Parque Terra Nostra’s famous hot springs. The iron-rich waters heated naturally to 39°C offer a soothing experience—once exclusive to royalty and the first casino on the island. Many reviews praise the pools’ medicinal qualities and the lush surroundings of the botanical gardens, home to over 200 species of camellias and tropical plants. If you prefer a peaceful stroll, you can skip the baths and wander through the gardens instead.

Final Stop: Vila Franca do Campo

To wind down, we visit Vila Franca do Campo for a sweet treat — the Queijadas da Vila, a traditional pastry made by local nuns’ secret recipe. Sampling this delicacy and enjoying a coffee at the local factory gives a real taste of local life and culinary tradition. The small, charming town offers a peaceful end-to-your-day vibe.

The Practicalities: Transportation, Cost, and Flexibility

Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus ensures a smooth ride and a chance to relax between stops. The tour includes Wi-Fi on board, which is handy for sharing photos or catching up on messages. With a local licensed guide, you’ll gain insights into the island’s volcanic geology, local culture, and legends—much more enriching than just seeing the sights alone.

Cost-wise, the main expense outside the tour fee will be entrance tickets—about €16 for the hot pools and botanical gardens, and around €20 for the traditional lunch. Many travelers find that the value lies in having a guided experience that combines scenic viewpoints, culture, and authentic food.

The tour is designed for most travelers, with easy access and a flexible schedule. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy scenic vistas, historical context, and local flavors. Since it’s a private tour, you get a more personalized experience, and the guide can adapt to your interests or pace.

Authentic Experiences That Stand Out

What makes this tour memorable, according to reviews, is Carlos’s engaging guidance — a reviewer mentions how he made the day “special and fun.” The expert narration, combined with stunning views and delicious local cuisine, creates a truly authentic island experience.

Travelers also appreciate the flexibility—being able to choose whether to relax in the hot pools or stroll through the gardens makes the day customizable. The stops at viewpoints like Pico do Ferro and Santa Iria aren’t just about pretty scenery but also about understanding the island’s volcanic history, which is central to São Miguel’s identity.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of Furnas and nearby highlights in one day. It suits those interested in volcanoes, scenic viewpoints, local cuisine, and relaxation in thermal pools. If you prefer a relaxed pace, personalized attention, and a mix of nature and culture, this tour hits the right notes.

People who enjoy learning with a guide and value authentic local flavors will find this tour especially rewarding. It’s a good pick for families, couples, or small groups seeking a balanced, well-rounded day on São Miguel.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour price?
Your private guide, transportation in a comfortable minibus, Wi-Fi on board, and a tasting of Gorreana tea are included.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance tickets to the hot pools and botanical garden (~€16) and lunch (~€20) are not included but can be reserved ahead of time or paid on the day.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9 am and wrapping up back at the meeting point in Ponta Delgada.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, your guide can adapt to your interests, whether that’s spending more time at viewpoints or relaxing longer at the hot pools.

Is lunch included?
No, but the tour includes a recommended reservation for the traditional cozido lunch, which is a major highlight of the day.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
The experience is suitable year-round, but clear days offer the best views at viewpoints and during outdoor activities.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, the pace is manageable, and the stops are mostly outdoor with gentle walking, making it suitable for most age groups.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing are best, especially since some stops may involve uneven terrain or cooler mountain air.

To sum it up, this private Furnas tour proves to be a fantastic way to discover the natural and culinary delights of São Miguel in a day. It offers a perfect mix of scenic views, volcanic activity, authentic local food, and relaxing thermal baths, all guided by an enthusiast who makes the experience both educational and fun.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to see the highlights or someone craving an authentic taste of Azorean culture, this tour delivers value and memorable moments. Its personalized approach, combined with the island’s stunning landscapes and flavors, makes it a worthwhile choice for any curious traveler.